Mall Galleries, London, 13 March 2026

26 Mar 2026

Having seen social media posts of portrait models for Hesketh Hubbard Art Society going beyond a standard neutral pose at Mall Galleries – for example, breastfeeding during a sitting – I decided it was time I too offered more than just a pretty face.

Although breastfeeding wasn’t an option, I reckoned I could raise my hands in prayer position for two hours. Of course, I understood that such an act might be sacrilegious for portrait purists so I made sure they were kept low enough to be ignorable.

One final consideration was to wear an unpatterned single-colour shirt. Capturing my hands as well as my likeness in such limited time would be challenge enough without the addition of complicated clothing.

As is often the case, my only mild discomfort came during the second half as a result of the miniscule effort needed to re-position my hands exactly as they were originally. Otherwise it was plain sailing for me, and I heard no grumbles from the artists.

Best of all from this evening was meeting so many lovely people; in some cases after many years since our last encounter. The sustained warmth makes me tremendously grateful to have found a place within London’s artistic community. Love to all.